54 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM the world) to get a unique perspective on the iconic 1927 Depoe Bay Bridge designed by C.B. McCullough, or hop on a fishing boat with Dockside Charters or Tradewinds Charters. Both operate ADAaccessible vessels. North of town, storm watchers and photo buffs enjoy Boiler Bay. It’s named for the boiler of the J. Marhoffer, a freighter wrecked here in 1910, which you can still see at low tide. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, also north of Depoe Bay, is a little cove of a beach with rocky outcroppings and agate hunting. South of town, Otter Crest Loop is a 4.2mile (6.8-km) scenic drive along an old coastal highway with a surprise around every corner; turnouts are great spots to see even more whales. Cape Foulweather offers dramatic ocean vistas. The beauty and the fury of the Pacific are on full display at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, a geologic formation filled with turbulent, churning water. NEWPORT With its idyllic setting on Yaquina Bay, Newport is not only Oregon’s largest commercial fishing port, it’s also one of the most photogenic towns on the Coast. Its most recognizable symbol, the graceful art deco span of Yaquina Bay Bridge, stretches 3,223 feet (982.4 m) and features grand stairways on each end that lead to observation areas. Three distinct neighborhoods feel like destinations unto themselves, each with their own personality. The historic Bayfront is a cacophony of sights and sounds, where tourists rub elbows with fishers off-loading the day’s catch. Storefronts are primarily gift shops and boutiques. Fortify yourself at Surf Town Coffee Company or Local Ocean, where those in the know go for some of the freshest seafood around and front-row views of the action along the docks. The barking sounds of Newport’s resident sea lions echo above the din; grab an ice cream cone, and watch them loll in the sun and battle it out for fish scraps. Locals and visitors alike toss crab rings off the docks; rent equipment at Embarcadero Marina, where you can also buy fresh albacore tuna, salmon and crab right off the boat. Yaquina oysters originally propelled the growth of Newport; you can sample and purchase them at Oregon Oyster Farms on Yaquina Bay Road, a beautiful waterfront road that connects Newport to Toledo. Venture out to sea with Yaquina Bay Charters for fishing or with Marine Discovery Tours for educational excursions to see gray whales, harbor porpoises, seals, sea lions, pelicans and bald eagles. Both experiences offer incredible views of the bay, river and coastline. The Nye Beach district exudes a laid-back, creative vibe. It’s a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood dotted with beloved spots such as Panini Bakery and Sylvia Beach Hotel, Invasive plants are causing the Oregon dunes to vanish. Our action is needed to preserve and restore them for future generations. Learn more by visiting:
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